Do These 13 Shows Deserve To Be Saved?

Getting a TV show past the pilot stage is a difficult task all on its own — and that's an understatement. But just because you make it to air doesn't mean you'll stay there for very long unless you manage to crack the magic code of pop culture popularity. Creating quality programming is one thing, but making sure it resonates with target audience groups is a whole other ball game, and one that's not easily achieved. Today, The Hollywood Reporter unveiled a list of 13 programs still "on the bubble", or facing an uncertain future at the conclusion of its current season. Will they be renewed, or will they be cancelled? Well, that's the question.

While many of the shows facing cancellation have become critical darlings, that means nothing to the networks looking to make money and get eyes on their programming. Without that, the ad dollars don't roll in quite as much and financing shows that fail to create revenue is a bad business move. Unfortunately, it's not all about artistic merit when it comes to the small screen, and many a series comes and goes every season, relegated to the annals of flop TV history forever.

So which of the 13 shows still up in the air should come back down to earth for another season? Well, that's subjective, of course, but I consider myself a pretty good judge of quality entertainment, so I'll tell you what I think.

The Mindy Project (FOX)

I appreciate Mindy's humor and the fact that it's creating visibility for women and people of color, which alone makes it a rarity and worth keeping around. However, the public hasn't responded to it much: it averages only 3.2 million weekly viewers and rates a 1.7 among adults 18-49. If that doesn't make any sense, allow me to translate: no one's watching this show, which means it's likely to get the chop. Is it fair? I don't think so — I would give The Mindy Project another season. I think we need it.

CSI and CSI: Cyber (CBS)

For as long as there's been TV, there has been a CSI spinoff. OK, that's not exactly true, and these series haven't done too bad in terms of viewership (an average of 12.5 million is nothing to balk at). But look: Ted Danson's contract is over and he's moved on already. Can't we, too, as Americans move on and cancel these?

Bones (FOX)

I will forever be loyal to David Boreanaz since he's the son of the local weatherman from my hometown (Philly, what up?), but Bones has been on the air for over 10 years. The ratings are slipping (a mere 8.4 million weekly), the storylines have been all storied out and I think we should try to go out on as much of a high note as possible. As Kenny Rogers so sagely sang, "You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em." Bones is ready to fold.

Nashville (ABC)

How this is even up for cancellation, I honestly don't know. A country music primetime drama? Like, you just heard (read) the four words that came out of my mouth (keyboard), right? It's only averaging 7.8 million weekly viewers, but I think that's because it's been given a rough time slot — those of us with jobs are half asleep by 10 p.m., not ready to tune in for our favorite show. Move it up an hour and I think you'll see the ratings increase. Renew it!

State of Affairs (NBC)

State of Affairs failed to resonate with viewers despite being given the premium time slot that follows The Voice. The 8 million viewers it receives is a rather paltry number, considering, and I think it's time to shut it down. You want proof? No one even gif-ed this show!

Revenge (ABC)

Revenge has had a pretty good run of it, airing a pretty impressive four seasons so far. However, a show based on a girl seeking revenge for her father's murder can only last so long. I mean, how much revenge do you need to get before it's just greedy? Given that this season dropped Revenge to an all-time low 0.7 rating, I think it's time we finally let bygones be bygones.

Hart of Dixie (The CW)

This show has already pretty much breathed its last breath, so cancellation is all but certain and in fact, renewal would be a downright miracle. Hart of Dixie was never a massive hit to begin with, but the network hasn't actually publicly cancelled it yet, so I suppose there's still a chance it could breathe again. Should it? Yes! Dedicated fans will be happy.

Agent Carter (ABC)

I'd renew this one on Hayley Atwell alone. The Marvel period drama has a respectable viewership of about 7.6 million total, but we need a good primetime superhero drama with some strong female characters. That's where Agent Carter fits in, and I think it totally has room to grow. Renew, renew!

Castle (ABC)

Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic haven't signed on for Season 8 yet, and that's probably smart. While an estimated 12.7 million people are still watching the series, it's another one that has run its course and needs to bow out gracefully to make way for a new series that will hopefully have the same appeal and even higher viewership. Bye bye, Castle.

The Mysteries of Laura (NBC)

I've loved me some Debra Messing since her Will & Grace days, but for some reason, her jump to drama just hasn't won me over (and I doubt it ever will). It pulls in 9.4 million thanks to its convenient slot right next to Law & Order: SVU.

The Following (FOX)

Anything starring Kevin Bacon is generally worth keeping around, and this show has had a semi-successful three seasons under its belt. Bacon always has a contract in my heart (and a place in my diet). Give him one more shot!

The Middle (ABC)

The Middle has already had a successful six seasons, which automatically tells me it's time to go. What are you aiming for, 10 seasons? Who do you think you are, FRIENDS? Comedies run their course a bit sooner than dramas given the limitation on possible plot lines — there's a lot more sad/intense stuff to work with than funny when it comes to network TV. I'm gonna give this the boot.

Images: Getty (1); Giphy (11); NBC (2); FOX (1)